Monday, February 10, 2014

Lady Thief (Scarlet #2) by A. C. Gaughen

Series: Scarlet #2
304p.
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Published: 2/11/14
Source: NetGalley and Publisher for review
Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.
My thoughts:
After reading Scarlet, I was happy to be able to pick up Lady Thief right after. The book starts out where the last left off and we find that we are not completely rid of Gisbourne. Gisbourne finds a way to manipulate Scarlet but knowing her from the last book, you know she doesn't go with unarmed wit. Although you question the sincerity of Gisbourne and Scarlet's ability to thwart a trap set by someone who knows her weaknesses, you still find yourself rooting for Scarlet to help defeat the court of posers.

The story in this book follows most of what we know about the story of Robin Hood trying to obtain the title of sheriff. However, in this book it is the women who, despite not having much power, seem to be the ones of cunning wit. Often in these stories the woman is the one who ends up fumbling dumbly trying to set things right. In this one, it seems it is the men that are largely ineffectual. I praise the fact that the women don't feel like that, but I still hate it when characters who are seemingly supposed to be strong just aren't and feel ineffectual. Robin took the place of where most women get trapped and it still frustrated me. However, I still really enjoyed the fact that Scarlet became our true hero.

I give this book 4 stars. I warn you about the ending. Not quite a cliffie, but it does leave us hanging and wanting that next book immediately. The first book didn't do that, but did leave threads open. I'm not a fan of those endings, but at least it didn't feel like a complete cliffhanger. (btw, do check out the trailer below... lol)


25 comments:

  1. I seriously need to read this series. I love that Scarlet is the hero in this!

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  2. It definitely frustrates me when characters are ineffectual, men or women (though it REALLY frustrates me when it's the women who always get cast in this role.) but I love how the women are the cunning ones in this series. Girl power!

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    1. It did frustrate me, but less so since it was the guy (sorry guys, but you rarely, if ever, get that role!). Total Girl Power! :D

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  3. Go girl power! I absolutely love Scarlet so I'm thrilled that we get to see more of her though I'm a bit worried about the open ended ending for this one. Glad to hear there is another book on the way. Hopefully the wait won't be too long!

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    1. Well, you are into it and when it ends, you do want to cry... because you don't have the next in your hands yet. :'( Meanies! :)

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  4. The ending was rather brutal in this one wasn't it Melissa?! *sobs* I agree Robin was relegated a bit more to the shadows in this one, beaten down by his nightmares, but that definitely gave Scarlet time to shine and I just adored her. I need book three to be out already so I can watch her make sure certain people get their comeuppance:)

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    1. I can see how he had more demons, but it just bothered me that he wouldn't even try at times! I'll stop there in case I spoil it for everyone... but still, I agree it gave Scarlet time to shine! Loved her!

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  5. When I think Gisborne I think Richard Armitage *happy sigh*

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  6. Hm, sounds like a great book but oh at all of the endings that leave you hanging so much lately.

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  7. After reading other reviews on this I feel so behind. I must read it!

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  8. LoL Love the trailer! I can't wait to have time to read this series, though I hate, hate, hate those cliffies. Might wait for the whole series!

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    1. I know! I love that trailer. :) You know you need to read it now! ;)

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  9. I still don't get WHY! I just want to cry! (hey! I rhymed!)

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  10. I'm really excited to read this one but the sort of cliffie ending has me a bit concerned! But I'm happy to hear that the series is continuing!

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  11. I'm not a fan of endings that even remotely resemble cliffhangers, but I adore this cover and am so glad you enjoyed this novel, Melissa! Fantastic review, dear.

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  12. Gah..awesome review Melissa. I am determined to read Scarlett during the Take Control event in March and cannot wait to follow up with this one..cliffy be damned.

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  13. I also hate when characters (male or female, though it does seem they're usually female) are ineffectual and dependent on others to solve problems and save the day. Glad to hear there's more girl power in this one, but oooh not looking forward to the ending! Great review :-)

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  14. I know what you mean, I struggled with Robin in the beginning as well, but I thought he totally redeemed himself. I was surprised that my feelings regarding Gisbourne changed. I actually sympathesized with him a bit.

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  15. oh already book2? That's nice! I'm really intrigued about her, to see how she manages everyhing while being a woman but I agree with you with the characters...

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  16. It seems like this book paid off in the end. I have so many friends that liked it, I feel like I should get to it.

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